why balanced power last before component?

Actually, if a GFCI is installed, it does not need the ground circuit to operate correctly. So what is needed is exactly as the NEC requires: each outlet must be of the GFCI type.

If the installation does not have GFCI outlets for every component used, then there is a danger. But otherwise its OK as far as the user is concerned.

If there is a short in the equipment as I had proposed in my prior post, the GFCI outlet will still trip. So my safety concerns were the result of over-thinking this...

Well Jim, hope you enjoy it :-)

@gbart. Your generous informative input most valued. I continue ac power refinement pursuit; with ever increasingly refined sound. Is your email unchanged? Thanks. Pete

@atmasphere 

Late news. Is it possible the new grounding product for shunyata may improve the equitech 2q by filtering the ground?  I also just read fascinating information on Nyquist noise and how Einstein once again had involvement. wow